Tag: bible

Living Out Our Pain

A Devotional Reflection

There are moments when we react to something small… and later realize it wasn’t so small after all.

Maybe someone’s words felt sharper than they intended.
Maybe you felt overlooked, rejected, or misunderstood.
Maybe jealousy, insecurity, or defensiveness rose up before you could stop it.

Often, what we are reacting to in the present is connected to something unresolved in our past.

Pain has a way of following us when it hasn’t been healed. It quietly influences our relationships, our confidence, our decision-making, and even how we interpret other people’s intentions. Without realizing it, we can begin living out old wounds in real time.

Think about the experiences that shaped you.

Was it harsh words that replay in your mind like a broken record?
Was it bullying or rejection that made you question your worth?
Was it betrayal, abandonment, divorce, or infidelity that left you feeling like you were not enough?
Was it growing up in instability, addiction, or emotional neglect?

These moments leave impressions. And unless we confront them, they can grow into patterns—fear, anger, unforgiveness, comparison, jealousy, and insecurity.

But here is the hope: what wounded you does not have to rule you.

Scripture gently reminds us:

Isaiah 43:18–19
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?”

God is not dismissing your pain. He is inviting you forward.

Philippians 3:13–14
“…Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal…”

Healing requires intention. It requires humility—the willingness to say, “Maybe my reaction is coming from somewhere deeper.” It requires surrendering courage to release bitterness, comparison, and the belief that we are somehow not enough.

Psalm 147:3
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

Notice that He doesn’t shame the brokenhearted. He heals them.

We cannot change what happened to us. But we can decide whether we will continue to let it shape how we love, how we trust, and how we see ourselves.

When we choose to examine our wounds instead of ignoring them, cycles begin to break. Compassion grows. Reactions soften. Freedom begins.

Our past may explain us—but it does not have to define us.

The question is: Will we allow God to heal what we’ve been unconsciously living out?

Reflection Questions

  • What situations tend to trigger strong emotional reactions in me?
  • Can I trace those reactions back to a specific experience or season?
  • Is there unforgiveness, insecurity, or fear I need to surrender?
  • What would it look like to respond from healing instead of hurt?

A Prayer

Lord,
You see the places in my heart that still ache. You know the words that wounded me, the moments that shaped me, and the memories I still carry. Help me to recognize when I am reacting from old pain instead of present truth. Give me the courage to confront what I’ve avoided and the strength to release what I’ve held onto. Heal what is broken in me. Break cycles that no longer serve Your purpose in my life. Teach me to live from wholeness, not from hurt.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Posted on by normascott21 0

Expectation: Speaking Faith, Growth, and Purpose into the New Year

As I sit and reflect on my expectations for this year and for life in general, I’m reminded of how powerful our expectations truly are. After all, we often receive what we expect — whether good or bad. It may sound too simple to be true, but God confirms it: “You will have what you say” (Mark 11:23).

With that truth in mind, I’m choosing to expect 2026 to be the best year of my life so far.

I’m expecting happiness, joy, and peace like I’ve never experienced before. I expect to be in the right place at the right time, to be healthier than ever, and to walk in obedience so God’s blessings will pursue and overtake me (Deuteronomy 28:2). I’m expecting to grow sharper, wiser, and better every single day.

I expect to meet like-minded people who empower me, challenge me, and help me grow. I’m expecting increased provision beyond what I can imagine. I’m trusting that angels will continue to watch over me and my family in all our coming and going (Psalm 91:11). I’m expecting better communication, deeper understanding, and continual healing from past and present hurts. I expect to both give and receive forgiveness freely, to deepen my relationship with God, and to fulfill His purpose for my life.

I’m expecting to remain grounded no matter the circumstances — to keep perspective, to move forward without looking back, to focus on what I desire rather than what I fear, and to release what I cannot control. I choose to surrender the rest to God and to speak life over my life (Proverbs 18:21).

I’m expecting to be still and allow God to fight the battles I cannot (Exodus 14:14), to receive beauty for ashes and double for every trouble (Isaiah 61:3). Above all, I hold fast to the truth that with God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26).

My expectations are anchored in faith, guided by gratitude, and strengthened by trust. I step into this year believing that what I speak, nurture, and walk in alignment with will continue to unfold.

Your expectations matter. Align them with truth, intention, and purpose.

Posted on by normascott21 0

The Gift of Correction

“The Lord corrects those He loves, just as a father delights in his child.” — Proverbs 3:12

Correction doesn’t always feel like a gift at first. In fact, it can sting, stir up defensiveness, or make us want to shut down. Recently, I found myself in a conversation where it was pointed out that I wasn’t seeing something clearly in my life. My initial reaction was to grow quiet, wrestling inside with whether there was truth to what I was hearing. Admitting it wasn’t easy. I wanted to defend myself, make excuses, or brush it off altogether. Yet as uncomfortable as it was, I knew deep down this was something I needed to receive, accept, and take responsibility for.

In my case, the correction was about setting boundaries. I had heard this message in different ways before but had not taken it seriously. This conversation served as confirmation that it was time to truly address it.

As I thought about it further, I realized how often I’ve seen others resist correction. Instead of pausing to consider whether there’s any truth to it, many respond with defensiveness, excuses, denial, or even anger. I’ve seen it in families, in friendships, and especially on social media—people so determined to be “right” that they reject correction altogether. Sometimes it’s treated as an offense, as though the very act of bringing something up is crossing a line. Rarely do we stop and ask ourselves if the correction is valid or being offered in love.

But what if we did? What if accepting correction could become the starting point of healing? Imagine relationships that could experience deeper communication, less confusion, and more honesty. Imagine the relief of no longer walking on eggshells to protect someone’s fragile ego and eliminate resentment. Acceptance has the power to free us from denial and open the door to growth.

Scripture reminds us: “My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.” (Proverbs 3:11–12)

Correction, when given in kindness, is not meant to wound us but to guide us. It may reveal blind spots we didn’t realize we had or confirm what we’ve long ignored. It isn’t always comfortable, but when we choose to receive it, correction becomes a gift—an opportunity for growth, healing, and transformation. Just as God corrects those He loves, we can embrace correction as a sign of love and care, a reminder that we are not left to stay the same but invited to become better.

Correction is God’s way of shaping us into who He created us to be.”

Posted on by normascott21 0

When It’s Not Okay to Be “Okay”

We all have days when we are not okay. Yet, when someone asks how we’re doing, our automatic response is often, “I’m fine.” Inside, however, we may feel like we’re about to fall apart—on the verge of a breakdown, wanting to scream, run away, or even disappear.

As people—and especially as Christians—we often feel pressure to always appear okay. We may quote a Bible verse instead of admitting our true feelings, believing that honesty about our struggles is a sign of weakness or lack of faith. Because of this, we keep things bottled up, suffocating under the weight of our emotions rather than saying, “I’m exhausted. I’m stressed. I’m overwhelmed. I’m struggling.”

But hiding how we feel does us a disservice. When we open up, we give others the chance to pray for us, support us, and simply empathize with our pain.

The truth is, being vulnerable is not weakness—it’s human. God knows we will face moments when we feel this way. That’s why Jesus says in Matthew 11:28, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” We are not alone in our struggles. Others have felt the same way, and more importantly, God invites us to bring Him our burdens. When we do, He gives us rest, compassion, and understanding.

There is no judgment in admitting we’re not okay. The danger lies in staying there. Scripture reminds us in Psalms 30:5, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” That morning may take longer to arrive for some than for others, but with God’s help, it will come.

Being “not okay” can even be a signal to pause and evaluate where we may be unbalanced in life:

  • Am I focusing on my circumstances instead of what God says about them?
  • Am I truly resting—not just sleeping, but making time to be still and quiet?
  • Am I letting stress or people control my peace?
  • Am I trying to fix everything myself instead of trusting God’s timing?
  • Am I speaking life, or am I feeding negativity with my words?
  • Am I learning from my situation, or only focusing on the problem?
  • Am I caring for my body—through healthy eating, exercise, and proper rest?

We know ourselves better than anyone—except God. And sometimes, admitting that we’re not okay is the first step toward healing, balance, and restoration.

Posted on by normascott21 0

“Be Still: God’s Invitation to Rest”

Psalm 46:10; Isaiah 30:15; Exodus 14:14; Hebrews 13:5

The Sign in the Store That Stopped Me

I was out shopping the other day, moving quickly through the aisles, when a picture caught my eye: “Be still and know that I am God.” I walked past it—but couldn’t shake it. It felt like the Holy Spirit whispering, You’re going to need this reminder. Often. So I turned around and bought it.

That simple sign exposed something deep in me. I started remembering all the times I did not obey God’s invitation to be still. Instead, I pushed, strategized, worried, lost sleep, and tried to fix things in my own strength. And when my effort didn’t work, I just worried harder—sometimes even after praying, and sometimes without praying at all. No surprise: I wore myself out.

When Prayer Turns Into Panic

Have you ever prayed and then, when nothing changed right away, assumed God was taking too long—or maybe not going to answer at all? We shift from prayer to anxiety, from anxiety to frustration, and sometimes even into anger. In that swirl, we forget God’s promises and start imagining worst‑case outcomes instead of God’s best.

Scripture reminds us: God will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). While we are “waiting on God,” it’s often true that God is waiting on us—to trust Him, to slow down, to stop trying to muscle through what only He can do. Our part is to bring what we can do, and then release what we cannot to the One who sees the whole picture.

Why Stillness Matters

I’m not saying being still is easy. It isn’t. Everything in our culture rewards hustling, fixing, managing, controlling. But striving without surrender rarely speeds things up; more often, it slows what God is forming in us. Stillness is not passivity—it’s active trust.

God is sovereign. He sees what we cannot. Whatever the situation is—He’s got it. Our rest is found in remembering who is in control.

“In quietness and trust shall be your strength.” (Isaiah 30:15)

We may feel like quietness can’t help us, but anxiety and worry certainly don’t.

“The LORD will fight for you; you need only be still.” (Exodus 14:14)

What Does It Mean to “Be Still”?

Being still is more than sitting in silence. It’s a posture: heart surrendered, mind anchored, spirit attentive. Here are some practical ways to practice it.

1. Pause & Breathe Prayer

When worry spikes, stop and take a slow breath. Pray, “Lord, I know You are God. I place this (name it) in Your hands.”

2. Anchor in Scripture

Keep verses where you’ll see them—mirrors, phone lock screen, dashboard, that new wall art you felt led to buy. Let God’s Word interrupt anxious thoughts.

  • Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God.”
  • Isaiah 30:15 – “In quietness and trust shall be your strength.”
  • Exodus 14:14 – “The LORD will fight for you; you need only be still.”
  • Hebrews 13:5 – “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

3. Do What You Can—Release What You Can’t

Make two columns: My Part and God’s Part. Act faithfully on what is yours; pray and release what is His. Revisit the list when anxiety returns.

4. Schedule Stillness

Set aside a daily or weekly time to be with God: read, pray, journal, sit in silence, listen. Consistency trains your heart to settle more quickly when storms come.

5. Ask for Help

Stillness grows in community. Ask a friend to pray with you, check in, or remind you of God’s promises when you start to spiral.

When Life Hurts

Whatever you’re facing—sickness, loss, financial struggle, work pressures, family stress—God invites you to stillness in Him. Stillness does not deny the reality of pain; it anchors us in the greater reality of God’s presence and power.

So today, if you feel overwhelmed, remember that sign in the store—and the God who prompted me to turn around. He’s saying the same to you: Be still. Let Me be God.

A Simple Prayer

Lord, You are God and I am not. I lay down my need to fix what I cannot fix. Teach me to be still, to trust Your timing, and to rest in Your presence. Fight for me where I cannot fight for myself. Thank You that You will never leave me or forsake me. Amen.

What helps you stay still when life feels out of control? I’d love to hear your practices and verses in the comments.

Posted on by normascott21 0

Overcoming Exhaustion: The Impact of Positive Thinking and Adequate Rest

I sat down to write with feelings of complete exhaustion, often in our daily routine we don’t even realize how much we actually do. No wonder we burn out, part of it is our thinking.

When I woke up I decided that I would not be complaining about anything today, If I encounter people around me complaining then I would just counter it with something to be thankful for, and even when those negative thoughts come to mind as they will and always do, I won’t speak them out loud, complaining can really drain your energy  and peace of mind, which is why God said to speak life to your life (Proverbs 18:21),

It’s the same thing we do when were saying affirmations were speaking life to our lives. Have you ever noticed when you’re saying a bunch of negative things about your life, about money, about what may happen, or what’s not going right, that things just continue to go wrong, sometimes we think about what we’re saying, but don’t associate it with what’s taking place in our lives as (Mark 11:23) says you will have what you say.

 It’s not like everything is going to go just the way we like if were not speaking negative things and complaining all the time, but we will notice that things are getting better, and we are feeling better when we’re speaking and believing for good things.

But there are other times when we are simply doing too much, we go on as if we are on automatic pilot not taking the time to rest or a day off or even a few minutes to relax and breathe, we don’t rest as we should and then when our bodies break down, we wonder why.

So, rest when you need to rest, set boundaries when you need to, say no when you need to. It will make all the difference in the world to your mental and physical health.

Posted on by normascott21 0